Cyber Deterrence and Defense: National Priorities for 2026

As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, INSA held a Cyber Deterrence and Defense: National Priorities for 2026 breakfast program on Thursday, January 15, at AUSA. The discussion brought together senior leaders from government and industry to examine how the United States can strengthen cyber deterrence and defense in the year ahead. The keynote and panel were held under the Chatham House Rule.

The program opened with keynote remarks from Thomas Lind, Senior Advisor to the Director at the Office of the National Cyber Director. Lind framed the evolving cyber threat landscape, outlined administration priorities, and previewed the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, underscoring the critical role of international and public-private collaboration in collective cyber defense.

The discussion continued with a panel moderated by LTG Stephen Fogarty, USA (Ret.), Senior Executive Advisor at Booz Allen. Panelists included Todd Hemmen, Deputy Assistant Director for the Cyber Capabilities Branch in the FBI’s Cyber Division; Chris Butera, Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Director for the Cybersecurity Division at CISA; and Dr. Cynthia Mendoza, Chief Engineer for Intelligence Solutions at BAE Systems.